Information processing apparatus and information processing method having communication function

0001This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/801,778, filed Jun. 24, 2010, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/124,334, filed May 21, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,848,705, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/403,952, filed Apr. 14, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,651, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/168,637, filed Oct. 11, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,139,529, which is the U.S. National Stage of International PCT Application No. PCT/JP01/09301, filed Oct. 23, 2001, and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. P2000-324017, filed Oct. 24, 2000, and to Japanese Patent Application No. P20001-15240, filed Jun. 19, 2001. All of the applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

0002The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method having a communication function and enabling information interchange and further to an electronic device, an information processing system, and a recording medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for enabling easy and reliable communication between a plurality of apparatuses and further to an electronic device, an information processing system, and a recording medium.

BACKGROUND ART

0003Conventionally, a portable telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. are used. Users increasingly have a chance to interchange information between a plurality of these devices.

0004For such information interchange, devices are connected to each other via a cradle or a cable. Alternatively, infrared transceivers of the devices are faced to each other for sending and receiving information.

0005A cable connection is not only complicated, but also requires a connector specific to the device type, making a connection work troublesome. In the case of the infrared connection, the communication is interrupted by blocking off infrared rays when a user inadvertently crosses an infrared transmission path, for example.

0006To solve these problems, it is proposed to perform wireless communication between a plurality of devices by using a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a near wireless LAN such as Bluetooth (trademark), etc.

0007For the wireless communication, a user must enter an address of the communication device. Normally since the user does not always remember addresses of respective devices, he or she creates, e.g., an address list and manually enters an address by referring to the list. This is inconvenient and degrades operability. When information is interchanged between a PAD owned by the user and a separate device installed before the user, he or she must enter a destination device address, making a fast information interchange difficult.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

0008The present invention has been made in consideration of the foregoing. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method, and further an electronic device and an information processing system capable of easily and fast interchanging information.

0009An information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a detection means for detecting that an electronic device is closely positioned; an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the electronic device when the detection means detects that the electronic device is closely positioned; and a communication means for communicating with the electronic device via a network based on the identification information.

0010The acquisition means can acquire an address of the network for the electronic device as the identification information. The present invention can further comprise a search means for searching for an address on the network for the electronic device based on the identification information obtained by the acquisition means. The acquisition means can include a reader/writer which communicates with an RF tag provided for the electronic device to obtain the identification information.

0011The acquisition means may communicate with the electronic device via a human body to obtain the identification information.

0012The present invention further comprises an execution means for executing a specified process between the apparatus and the electronic device. The execution means can send data to the electronic device or receive data sent from the electronic device.

0013An information processing method according to the present invention includes: a detection step for detecting that an electronic device is closely positioned; an acquisition step for acquiring identification information of the electronic device when a process at the detection step detects that the electronic device is closely positioned; and a communication step for communicating with the electronic device via a network based on the identification information.

0014The present invention is a recording medium which records a computer-readable program. The program recorded on this recording medium includes: a detection step for detecting that an electronic device is closely positioned; an acquisition step for acquiring identification information of the electronic device when a process at the detection step detects that the electronic device is closely positioned; and a communication step for communicating with the electronic device via a network based on the identification information.

0015An electronic device according to the present invention comprises: a provision means for providing its own identification information to an information processing apparatus when the device is closely positioned to the information processing apparatus; and a communication means for making communication with the information processing apparatus via a network after the provision means provides the identification information. Here, the provision means provides an address on the network as the identification information. The provision means can include an RF tag which communicates with a reader/writer provided in the information processing apparatus to provide the identification information.

0016The provision means can communicate with the information processing apparatus via a human body to provide the identification information.

0017The electronic device according to the present invention further comprises an execution means for executing a specified process between the device and the information processing apparatus. The execution means sends data to the information processing apparatus or receives data sent from the information processing apparatus.

0018Another information processing method according to the present invention includes: a provision step for providing its own identification information to the information processing apparatus when the device is closely positioned to the information processing apparatus; and a communication step for making communication with the information processing apparatus via a network after a step at the provision step provides the identification information.

0019Another recording medium according to the present invention records a computer-readable program. The recorded program includes: a provision step for providing its own identification information to the information processing apparatus when the device is closely positioned to the information processing apparatus; and a communication step for making communication with the information processing apparatus via a network after a step at the provision step provides the identification information.

0020An information processing system according to the present invention comprises an information processing apparatus and an electronic device. The information processing apparatus comprises: a detection means for detecting that the electronic device is closely positioned; an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the electronic device when the detection means detects that the electronic device is closely positioned; and a first communication means for communicating with the electronic device via a network based on the identification information. The electronic device comprises: a provision means for providing its own identification information to the information processing apparatus when the device is closely positioned to the information processing apparatus; and a second communication means for making communication with the information processing apparatus via a network after the provision means provides the identification information.

0021Another information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first detection means for detecting that a first electronic device is closely positioned; a second detection means for detecting that a second electronic device is closely positioned; a first acquisition means for acquiring first identification information of the first electronic device when the first detection means detects that the first electronic device is closely positioned; a second acquisition means for acquiring second identification information of the second electronic device when the second detection means detects that the second electronic device is closely positioned; and a control means for controlling communication between the first and second electronic devices via a network based on the first and second identification information.

0022Here, the first and second acquisition means obtain an address on the network as the first or second identification information.

0023Another information processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a search means for searching for addresses on the network for the first and second electronic devices based on the first or second identification information. Here, the first and second acquisition means include reader/writers which communicate with RF tags provided for the first and second electronic devices to obtain the identification information.

0024Still another information processing method according to the present invention includes: a first detection step for detecting that a first electronic device is closely positioned; a second detection step for detecting that a second electronic device is closely positioned; a first acquisition step for acquiring first identification information of the first electronic device when a process at the first detection step detects that the first electronic device is closely positioned; a second acquisition step for acquiring second identification information of the second electronic device when a process at the second detection step detects that the second electronic device is closely positioned; and a control step for controlling communication between the first and second electronic devices via a network based on the first and second identification information.

0025Still another recording medium according to the present invention which records a computer-readable program including: a first detection step for detecting that a first electronic device is closely positioned; a second detection step for detecting that a second electronic device is closely positioned; a first acquisition step for acquiring first identification information of the first electronic device when a process at the first detection step detects that the first electronic device is closely positioned; a second acquisition step for acquiring second identification information of the second electronic device when a process at the second detection step detects that the second electronic device is closely positioned; and a control step for controlling communication between the first and second electronic devices via a network based on the first and second identification information.

0026According to the present invention, detecting the approach of an electronic device acquires identification information about the electronic device. Based on the identification information, a communication connection is established for interchanging data via the electronic device and a network.

0027According to the present invention, approaching an information processing apparatus sends identification information to the information processing apparatus. Based on this, a communication connection is established for interchanging data via the information processing apparatus and a network.

0028In an information processing system according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus requests a closely positioned electronic device to send its identification information. Upon reception of that request, the electronic device sends its identification information to the information processing apparatus. Based on the identification information of the electronic device, the information processing apparatus establishes a telephone communication connection between electronic devices etc. for interchanging data via a network.

0029When a first and a second electronic device are closely positioned in the present invention, there is acquired a plurality of first and second identification information. Based on these pieces of information, a communication connection is established between the first and second electronic devices.

0030The foregoing and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a configuration example of an information processing system to which the present invention is applied;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a personal computer constituting the information processing system according to the present invention;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a portable telephone constituting the information processing system according to the present invention;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart which shows personal computer processes in the information processing system;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart which shows portable telephone processes in the information processing system;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flowchart which shows personal computer processes in the information processing system;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart which shows portable telephone processes in the information processing system;

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows data interchange between the portable telephone and the personal computer;

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a flowchart which shows processes of the portable telephone in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>;

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flowchart which shows processes of the personal computer in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A through 11F</figref> show examples of data interchange between a PDA and the personal computer;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the PDA in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a flowchart which shows processes of the PDA in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a flowchart which shows operations of the personal computer in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows an example of transferring information between the portable telephone and the personal computer;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a flowchart which shows operations of the personal computer in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a flowchart which shows operations of the portable telephone in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows an example of a connection board;

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the connection board in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>;

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>;

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a flowchart which shows processes of the connection board in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>;

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a flowchart which shows processes of the PDA in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>;

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a flowchart which shows processes of the digital camera in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>;

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> shows an example of interchanging data between a portable telephone and a headphone;

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the headphone in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>;

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the portable telephone in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>;

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a flowchart which shows process of the portable telephone in FIG. <b>24</b>;

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a flowchart which shows process of the headphone in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>;

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 29A and 29B</figref> show examples of transfer characteristics of a human body;

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 30A and 30B</figref> are characteristic charts for explaining the relationship between electric field strength and distance from an antenna;

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the personal computer in a communication system to which the present invention is applied;

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the portable telephone in the communication system to which the present invention is applied; and

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a flowchart which shows processes of the communication system to which the present invention is applied.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

0064An information processing system to which the present invention is applied has the configuration as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The information processing system in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> contains a personal computer <b>1</b> comprising an input display section <b>2</b> and a body <b>3</b> connected thereto. The input display section <b>2</b> displays specified information and allows input of specified information by means of operations of a pen (not shown) etc. thereupon.

0065When a user places e.g. a portable telephone <b>11</b> on the input display section <b>2</b> as needed, data can be interchanged between the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the personal computer <b>1</b>.

0066The personal computer <b>1</b> used here has the configuration as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The personal computer <b>1</b> contains a CPU (Central Processing Unit) <b>21</b> which executes various processes according to a program stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) <b>22</b> or a storage section <b>26</b>. RAM <b>23</b> appropriately stores programs executed by the CPU <b>21</b>, data, etc. The CPU <b>21</b>, the ROM <b>22</b>, and the RAM <b>23</b> are connected to each other via a bus <b>24</b>. The bus <b>24</b> connects with an input/output interface <b>25</b>. The input/output interface <b>25</b> connects with the input display section <b>2</b>, the storage section <b>26</b> comprising a hard disc, etc., and a communication section <b>27</b> communicating with the portable telephone <b>11</b>, e.g., via a telephone line.

0067The input display section <b>2</b> is provided with a transparent tablet <b>31</b> and an LCD <b>32</b>. The tablet <b>31</b> detects a user's pen operation. The LCD <b>32</b> is placed under the tablet <b>31</b> and displays images such as characters, shapes, etc. The input display section <b>2</b> is further provided with a reader/writer <b>33</b> which communicates with an RF tag <b>72</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) for the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0068The input/output interface <b>25</b> further connects with a drive <b>28</b>. The drive <b>28</b> is configured to appropriately install a magnetic disc <b>41</b>, an optical disc <b>42</b>, a magnet-optical disc <b>43</b>, semiconductor memory <b>44</b>, etc. A program is read from the magnetic disc <b>41</b> through the semiconductor memory <b>44</b> and is supplied to the storage section <b>26</b> from the drive <b>28</b> via the input/output interface <b>25</b>.

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a configuration example of the portable telephone <b>11</b>. A CPU <b>61</b> through an input/output interface <b>65</b> basically have the same functions as those for the CPU <b>21</b> through the input/output interface <b>25</b> for the personal computer <b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

0070In the portable telephone <b>11</b>, an input/output interface <b>65</b> connects with an input section <b>66</b> comprising various buttons, switches, etc., and with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) <b>67</b> for displaying specified information. The input/output interface <b>65</b> further connects with a storage section <b>68</b> comprising semiconductor memory, etc. and a communication section <b>69</b> for performing communication via a telephone line.

0071A microphone <b>70</b> receives a voice signal from a user. A speaker <b>71</b> outputs a voice signal to a user. An RF tag <b>72</b> contains an IC, communicates with the reader/writer <b>33</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b>, and sends an internally stored identification number of the portable telephone <b>11</b> to the reader/writer <b>33</b>. The RF tag <b>72</b> has a function to store data supplied from the reader/writer <b>33</b> in built-in memory.

0072The following describes operations of the personal computer <b>1</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b> with reference to flowcharts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>. When a user wants to perform processing such as interchanging data between the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the personal computer <b>1</b>, he or she places the portable telephone <b>11</b> on a specified position of the input display section <b>2</b>. For example, this position is indicated by a dotted line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> where the reader/writer <b>33</b> is arranged. The user does not need to always place the portable telephone <b>11</b> on this position. He or she just needs to bring the portable telephone <b>11</b> close to the specified position of the input display section <b>2</b> so that the portable telephone <b>11</b> can receive an electromagnetic wave from the reader/writer <b>33</b>.

0073The reader/writer <b>33</b> periodically transmits an electromagnetic wave at a sufficiently short cycle. When the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed on the input display section <b>2</b>, electromagnetic coupling occurs between the reader/writer <b>33</b> and the RF tag <b>72</b> for the portable telephone <b>11</b>, changing an equivalent impedance of the antenna in the reader/writer <b>33</b>. At step S<b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the reader/writer <b>33</b> monitors this impedance change to determine whether the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed or is closely positioned, and waits until the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed or closely positioned.

0074When the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed on the reader/writer <b>33</b> or is positioned close thereto, the reader/writer <b>33</b>, at step S<b>2</b>, requests the portable telephone <b>11</b> to send a network address. Since the network comprises a public telephone line in this case, the reader/writer <b>33</b> requests to send a telephone number of the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0075Based on this request, the portable telephone <b>11</b> sends the network address (telephone number). At step S<b>3</b>, the reader/writer <b>33</b> waits until it receives the network address from the portable telephone <b>11</b>. Upon reception of the network address, the reader/writer <b>33</b> proceeds to step S<b>4</b> and supplies the CPU <b>21</b> with the network address (telephone number) of the portable telephone <b>11</b>. The CPU <b>21</b> supplies this telephone number to the RAM <b>23</b> for storage.

0076At step S<b>5</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> controls the communication section <b>27</b> to access the network address, stored at step S<b>4</b>, of the portable telephone <b>11</b> for establishing a network connection. More specifically, the communication section <b>27</b> generates a call to the telephone number stored in the RAM <b>23</b> and makes a telephone line connection between the personal computer <b>1</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0077Thereafter, at step S<b>6</b>, the personal computer <b>1</b> performs a specified process with the portable telephone <b>11</b> via the network. An example of this process will be described later.

0078At step S<b>11</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the RF tag <b>72</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> determines whether or not to receive an electromagnetic wave from the reader/writer <b>33</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b>. Namely, the RF tag <b>72</b> determines whether or not the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed on the input display section <b>2</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> or is positioned close thereto. When it is determined that the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed on the input display section <b>2</b> or is positioned close thereto, the process proceeds to step S<b>12</b>. The RF tag <b>72</b> waits until it is requested to send a network address. As mentioned above, the reader/writer <b>33</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> requests the portable telephone <b>11</b> to transmit a network address at step S<b>2</b>. When it is determined that this transmission request is received, the process proceeds to step S<b>13</b>. The RF tag <b>72</b> reads the network address of the portable telephone <b>11</b>, i.e., the telephone number in this case and sends it to the reader/writer <b>33</b>. That network address (telephone number) is stored in the internal memory.

0079A network address can be also stored in the ROM <b>62</b> and the storage section <b>68</b>. In this case, an address is read by the CPU <b>61</b> from these storage locations and is sent from the RF tag <b>72</b>.

0080At step S<b>14</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> for the portable telephone <b>11</b> waits until it receives an access from the personal computer <b>1</b> by using the communication section <b>69</b> via the network. In this case, the CPU <b>61</b> waits until it is read via the telephone line.

0081When the communication section <b>69</b> determines at step S<b>14</b> that a call is received from the communication section <b>27</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b>, the process proceeds to step S<b>15</b>. In response to this, a connection is established between the portable telephone and the personal computer <b>1</b> via the network. In this case, the telephone line is connected.

0082The process then proceeds to step S<b>16</b>. A specified process is performed between the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the personal computer <b>1</b> via the network. This process corresponding to the process at step S<b>6</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0083In the aforementioned example, the telephone number of the portable telephone <b>11</b> is sent and received as identification information. It may be preferable to send an identification number other than the telephone number of the portable telephone <b>11</b> from this telephone to the personal computer <b>1</b>. Based on that identification number, the personal computer <b>1</b> may retrieve the telephone number of the portable telephone <b>11</b> as a network address.

0084<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref> describe operations of the personal computer <b>1</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b>, respectively, in this case.

0085Processes at steps S<b>51</b> through S<b>56</b> for the portable telephone <b>11</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> are basically the same as those at steps S<b>11</b> through S<b>16</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. A difference from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is that, instead of the telephone number, an identification number itself is requested from the personal computer <b>1</b> at step S<b>52</b> and is transmitted at step S<b>53</b>. The other processes are the same as those in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0086Likewise, processes at steps S<b>31</b> through S<b>37</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> for the personal computer <b>1</b> are basically the same as those at steps S<b>1</b> through S<b>6</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, however, the portable telephone <b>11</b> sends an identification number, not the telephone number. At step S<b>34</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> stores the identification number for the portable telephone <b>11</b> in the RAM <b>23</b>. Then, at step S<b>35</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> retrieves the telephone number as a network address based on the identification number for the portable telephone <b>11</b>. For this retrieval, it may be preferable to use the storage section <b>26</b> to previously store a table for correspondence between identification numbers and telephone numbers for the portable telephone <b>11</b>. The communication section <b>27</b> may access a specified server e.g. via the Internet, etc. to retrieve a telephone number corresponding to the identification number for the portable telephone <b>11</b> via the server.

0087After the telephone number for the portable telephone <b>11</b> is retrieved, subsequent processes are the same as those in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0088The following further describes an example of processes at step S<b>6</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> (step S<b>37</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) and at step S<b>16</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> (step S<b>56</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>).

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows an example of placing the portable telephone <b>11</b> on the input display section <b>2</b> or positioning it close thereto. In this example, the LCD <b>32</b> of the input display section <b>2</b> is used to display the content of mail registered in the portable telephone <b>11</b> with an enlarged display size.

0090Hereinafter, processes for the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the personal computer <b>1</b> are described with reference to flowcharts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>.

0091At step S<b>71</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> reads senders and subjects of so far received mail messages stored in the RAM <b>63</b>. At step S<b>72</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> sends senders and subjects of the read mail to the personal computer <b>1</b>. Namely, at this time, the CPU <b>61</b> controls the communication section <b>69</b> to transmit these senders and subjects to the personal computer <b>1</b> via the telephone line.

0092As will be described later, the transmitted mail senders and subjects are displayed on the LCD <b>32</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b>. When the user selects a specified mail message out of the displayed ones, the selected mail message is transmitted to the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0093At step S<b>73</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> waits until selection of the mail is notified. When the mail selection is notified, the process proceeds to step S<b>74</b>. The CPU <b>61</b> reads the content of the selected mail from the RAM <b>63</b> and allows the communication section <b>69</b> to transmit that content to the personal computer <b>1</b>.

0094In response to this process of the portable telephone <b>11</b>, the personal computer <b>1</b> performs the process as shown in the flowchart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

0095At step S<b>81</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> receives the mail senders and subjects if they are transmitted from the portable telephone <b>11</b>. Namely, when the mail senders and subjects are transmitted from the communication section <b>69</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> via the telephone line, the communication section <b>27</b> receives them and supplies them to the RAM <b>23</b> for storage. At step S<b>82</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> reads the senders and subjects stored in the RAM <b>23</b> and outputs them to the LCD <b>32</b> for display. In this manner, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> for example, a window <b>91</b> displays the mail senders and subjects transmitted from the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0096Viewing this display, the user operates a pen to select a mail message by selecting the sender or the subject of one mail message in the window <b>91</b>. At step S<b>83</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> waits until a mail message is selected. When the mail message is selected, the process proceeds to step S<b>84</b>. The CPU <b>21</b> notifies the portable telephone <b>11</b> of the selected mail message. Namely, at this time, the CPU <b>21</b> controls the communication section <b>27</b> to notify the portable telephone <b>11</b> of the mail message specified (selected) by the user via the telephone line.

0097When the selected mail message is notified, the portable telephone <b>11</b> transmits the content of the selected mail message as mentioned above. At step S<b>85</b>, the communication section <b>27</b> receives the mail content transmitted from the portable telephone <b>11</b>. This mail content is temporarily supplied to the RAM <b>23</b> for storage. At step S<b>86</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> reads the mail content stored in the RAM <b>23</b>. The CPU <b>21</b> outputs and displays the mail content at the right of the position where the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed on the LCD <b>32</b> or at a position specified by the user with the pen, i.e., detected from an output of the tablet <b>31</b>. In this manner, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> for example, the window <b>92</b> displays the selected mail content. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the second mail message is selected in the window <b>91</b>, showing that the sender is BBB, the subject is bb, and the content is “Hello! It's fine today”.

0098Theoretically, it is possible to interchange mail data by means of communication between the RF tag <b>72</b> and the reader/writer <b>33</b>. Since this communication permits just a small transmission capacity, however, it is used only for transmission of the identification information.

0099<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows another example of data transferred to/from the personal computer <b>1</b> via the telephone line. In this example, a PDA <b>101</b> instead of the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed on or is positioned close to the input display section <b>2</b>. Image data stored in the PDA <b>101</b> is transferred to the personal computer <b>1</b>.

0100For example, the PDA <b>101</b> is configured as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>

0101A CPU <b>111</b> through an input/output interface <b>115</b> have the same functions as those for the CPU <b>21</b> through the input/output interface <b>25</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0102An input section <b>116</b> comprises button, switches, etc. and is operated by the user for entering specified instructions. A tablet <b>127</b> comprises a transparent member and detects an input generated when the user operates a pen (not shown), etc. An LCD <b>118</b> is arranged under the tablet <b>117</b> and displays characters, shapes, etc.

0103Plate-shaped IC memory <b>119</b> contains semiconductor memory and can be attached or detached from the PDA <b>101</b>. Here, a memory stick <b>119</b> is used as the IC memory and appropriately stores text data or image data. A communication section <b>120</b> communicates with other apparatuses via the telephone line.

0104An RF tag <b>121</b> internally stores a telephone number (or identification number) of the PDA <b>101</b>. The RF tag <b>121</b> may be replaced by ROM <b>112</b> or the memory stick <b>119</b>.

0105Referring now to flowcharts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref>, the following describes an example of processing performed when the PDA <b>101</b> is placed on the input display section <b>2</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>.

0106As mentioned above, when the PDA <b>101</b> is placed on the input display section <b>2</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b>, the telephone line is connected between the personal computer <b>1</b> and the PDA <b>101</b>.

0107When the user instructs transfer of an image, the CPU <b>111</b> of the PDA <b>101</b> selects one of image data previously stored in the memory stick <b>119</b> at step S<b>101</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. At step S<b>102</b>, the CPU <b>111</b> controls the communication section <b>120</b> to transmit the selected image data to the personal computer <b>1</b> via the telephone line.

0108At step S<b>103</b>, the CPU <b>111</b> determines whether or not all image data is transmitted. When image data remains being unsent, the CPU <b>111</b> returns to step S<b>101</b> and repeatedly performs the subsequent process.

0109When it is determined that all image data is transmitted at step S<b>103</b>, the process terminates.

0110Incidentally, the personal computer <b>1</b> performs the process as shown in the flowchart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. When image data is transmitted from the PDA <b>101</b> via the telephone line, the CPU <b>21</b> receives the data via the communication section <b>27</b> at step S<b>111</b> and supplies the data to the RAM <b>23</b> for temporary storage. At step S<b>112</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> reads the imaged data stored in the RAM <b>23</b> and outputs it to the LCD <b>32</b> for display.

0111As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>, for example, the PDA <b>101</b> stores five images P<b>1</b> through P<b>5</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref>, one image P<b>1</b> is transferred from the PDA <b>101</b> to the personal computer <b>1</b>. This image is stored in the RAM <b>23</b> and is displayed on the LCD <b>32</b>. According to the example in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref>, the image is displayed at the upper left of the PDA <b>101</b>. The image can be displayed at a position specified by the pen. At this time, the transferred image disappears from the LCD <b>118</b> of the PDA <b>101</b>. The example in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> shows the transfer of one image P<b>1</b> out of five images P<b>1</b> through P<b>5</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>. The LCD <b>118</b> of the PDA <b>101</b> displays four images P<b>2</b> through P<b>5</b>.

0112At step S<b>113</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> determines whether or not all the received image data are displayed. When image data remains being undisplayed, the CPU <b>21</b> returns to step S<b>111</b> and repeatedly performs the aforementioned process. When it is determined that all the received image data are displayed, the process terminates.

0113As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11C through 11F</figref>, images are sequentially transferred from the PDA <b>101</b> to the personal computer <b>1</b> in the order of P<b>2</b>, P<b>3</b>, P<b>4</b>, and P<b>5</b> and are stored in the RAM <b>23</b>. In accordance with this transfer, the LCD <b>32</b> sequentially displays images P<b>2</b> through P<b>5</b>. As images are displayed in this manner, transferred images are sequentially deleted from the LCD <b>118</b> of the PDA <b>101</b>.

0114<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows another example of interchanging information. In this example, the personal computer is replaced by a notebook computer. The reader/writer <b>33</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is arranged to the bottom of a palm rest <b>152</b>A on this personal computer <b>151</b>. The internal structure of the personal computer <b>151</b> is the same as that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, and its specific illustration is omitted.

0115Hereinafter, processes for the personal computer <b>151</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b> in this case are described with reference to flowcharts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 and 17</figref>. The configuration of the personal computer <b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is used as is for that of the personal computer <b>151</b>. Also in this case, placing the portable telephone <b>11</b> on the palm rest <b>152</b>A of the personal computer <b>151</b> connects the telephone line between the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the personal computer <b>151</b> as mentioned above.

0116At step S<b>131</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, the CPU <b>21</b> of the personal computer <b>151</b> displays an image representing the portable telephone <b>11</b> on the LCD <b>32</b>. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, an image <b>161</b> is displayed as the image of the portable telephone <b>11</b>. This image <b>161</b> is displayed to the right of the LCD <b>32</b> when the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed to the right of the palm rest <b>152</b>A. It is displayed to the left of the LCD <b>32</b> when the portable telephone <b>11</b> is placed to the left of the palm rest <b>152</b>A.

0117At step S<b>132</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> displays an image <b>162</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> on the LCD <b>32</b> as an image representing the personal computer <b>1</b>.

0118At step S<b>133</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> determines whether or not the user specifies information reception. When it is determined that no information reception is specified, the CPU <b>21</b> proceeds to step S<b>134</b> to determine whether or not information transfer is specified. When it is determined that no information transfer is specified either, the CPU <b>21</b> returns to step S<b>133</b> ands repeatedly performs the subsequent process.

0119When it is determined that the user specifies information transfer at step S<b>134</b>, the process proceeds to step S<b>135</b>. The CPU <b>21</b> performs a process for transferring information to the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0120On the LCD <b>32</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, for example, the user can specify information transfer by performing a drag-and-drop operation from the image <b>162</b> for the personal computer <b>151</b> to the image <b>161</b> for the portable telephone <b>11</b> in the direction of an arrow A. In this case, the CPU <b>21</b> transfers specified data stored in the RAM <b>23</b> from the communication section <b>27</b> to the portable telephone <b>11</b> via the telephone line.

0121When it is determined at step S<b>133</b> that information reception is specified, the process proceeds to step S<b>136</b>. The CPU <b>21</b> requests the portable telephone <b>11</b> to transfer information.

0122Namely, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the user can specify information transfer from the portable telephone <b>11</b> to the personal computer <b>151</b> by performing a drag-and-drop operation from the image <b>161</b> to the image <b>162</b> in the direction of an arrow B. In this case, the CPU <b>21</b> controls the communication section <b>27</b> to request the portable telephone <b>11</b> to transfer information via the telephone line.

0123When requested for information transfer, the portable telephone <b>11</b> transfers information as will be described later. At step S<b>137</b>, the CPU <b>21</b> waits until information is transferred. When information is transferred, the process proceeds to step S<b>138</b>. The CPU <b>21</b> receives the transferred information via the communication section <b>27</b> and stores the information in the RAM <b>23</b>.

0124The portable telephone <b>11</b> performs the process as shown in the flowchart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> in response to the aforementioned operations of the personal computer <b>151</b>. At step S<b>151</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> determines whether or not a request for information transfer is received from the personal computer <b>151</b>. When such request is not received, the process proceeds to step S<b>152</b>. The CPU <b>61</b> determines whether or not information is transferred from the personal computer <b>151</b>. When no information is transferred, the CPU <b>61</b> returns to step S<b>151</b> and repeatedly performs the subsequent process.

0125When it is determined at step S<b>151</b> that a request for information transfer is received from the personal computer <b>151</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> proceeds to step S<b>153</b>. The CPU <b>61</b> then reads information stored in the RAM <b>63</b> and transfers the information to the personal computer <b>151</b> from the communication section <b>69</b> via the telephone line.

0126When it is determined at step S<b>152</b> that information is transferred from the personal computer <b>151</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> proceeds to step S<b>154</b>. The CPU <b>61</b> then supplies the information received at the communication section <b>69</b> via the telephone line to the RAM <b>63</b> for storage.

0127<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows an example of a connection board. When two electronic devices are placed on a connection board <b>171</b>, the telephone line is connected between the two devices, allowing data to be interchanged via the telephone line.

0128In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, the PDA <b>101</b> and a digital camera <b>181</b> are placed on the connection board <b>171</b>.

0129The connection board <b>171</b> is configured as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, for example. A CPU <b>191</b> through an input/output interface <b>195</b> are basically the same as the CPU <b>21</b> through the input/output interface <b>25</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0130Reader/writers <b>196</b> and <b>197</b> each perform communication between RF tags of two electronic devices. A communication section <b>198</b> performs communication between two electronic devices via the telephone line.

0131A drive <b>199</b> is configured to appropriately install a magnetic disc <b>211</b>, an optical disc <b>212</b>, a magnet-optical disc <b>213</b>, semiconductor memory <b>214</b>, etc. A program stored there is read appropriately and is transferred to RAM <b>193</b> for storage. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows an example of an internal configuration of the digital camera <b>181</b>. A CPU <b>231</b> through an input/output interface <b>235</b> are basically the same as the CPU <b>21</b> through the input/output interface <b>25</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0132An input section <b>236</b> comprises button, switches, etc. and is operated by the user for entering specified instructions. An LCD <b>237</b> displays an image captured by an image pickup section <b>239</b> or an image stored in a memory stick <b>238</b> or RAM <b>233</b>. The memory stick <b>238</b> can be attached or detached from the digital camera <b>181</b> and stores images captured by the image pickup section <b>239</b>. An RF tag <b>241</b> internally stores the telephone number as an identification number of the digital camera <b>181</b>. The RF tag <b>241</b> performs communication with the reader/writer <b>196</b> of the connection board <b>171</b>. A communication section <b>240</b> provides communication via the telephone line.

0133First, with reference to the flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, the following describes a process of the connection board <b>171</b> for establishing connection when two electronic devices (PDA <b>101</b> and digital camera <b>181</b> in this case) are placed or moved close to each other on the connection board <b>171</b>.

0134At step S<b>171</b>, the CPU <b>191</b> of the connection board <b>171</b> determines whether or not the first PDA is placed or closely positioned. Namely, it determines whether or not the reader/writer <b>196</b> or <b>197</b> detects electromagnetic coupling with the electronic device's RF tag. When the first PDA is determined to be placed or closely positioned, the corresponding reader/writer <b>196</b> or <b>197</b> requests the PDA to send a network address. When the reader/writer <b>196</b> detects that the PDA <b>101</b> is placed, the reader/writer <b>196</b> requests the PDA <b>101</b> to send a telephone number. In response to this request, the PDA <b>101</b> sends its telephone number. At this time, the PDA <b>101</b> performs the same process as that described for the portable telephone <b>11</b> according to the flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. At step S<b>173</b>, the CPU <b>191</b> of the connection board <b>171</b> waits until the telephone number of the PDA <b>101</b> is sent via the telephone line. When the telephone number is sent, the CPU <b>191</b>, at step S<b>174</b>, receives the telephone number of the PDA <b>101</b> via the communication section <b>198</b> and supplies the telephone number to the RAM <b>143</b> for storage.

0135At steps S<b>175</b> through <b>178</b>, the other of the reader/writers <b>196</b> and <b>197</b> (reader/writer <b>197</b> in this case) performs the same process as that for the aforementioned steps S<b>171</b> through S<b>174</b>.

0136In this case, the telephone number of the digital camera <b>181</b> is read from the RF tag <b>241</b> of the digital camera <b>181</b>. The telephone number is supplied to the RAM <b>13</b> of the connection board <b>171</b> for storage.

0137At step S<b>179</b>, the CPU <b>191</b> of the connection board <b>171</b> establishes telephone line connection between the PDA <b>101</b> and the digital camera <b>181</b> whose addresses are stored at steps S<b>174</b> and S<b>178</b>, respectively. This allows the PDA <b>101</b> and the digital camera <b>181</b> to interchange data with each other via the telephone line.

0138At step S<b>180</b>, the CPU <b>191</b> of the connection board <b>171</b> determines whether or not the two PDAs (PDA <b>101</b> and digital camera <b>191</b>) remain being placed or closely positioned. When they remain being placed or closely positioned, the CPU <b>191</b> proceeds to step S<b>181</b> to maintain the connection established at step S<b>179</b>.

0139The process then returns to step S<b>180</b>. As long as the PDA <b>101</b> and the digital camera <b>181</b> are placed or closely positioned on the connection board <b>171</b>, the connection between the PDA <b>101</b> and the digital camera <b>181</b> is maintained.

0140When a user removes at least one of the PDA <b>101</b> and the digital camera <b>181</b> from the connection board <b>171</b>, it is determined at step S<b>180</b> that either of the two devices is not placed or closely positioned. The CPU <b>191</b> proceeds to step S<b>182</b> to remove the connection established at step S<b>179</b>. This disables the PDA <b>101</b> and the digital camera <b>181</b> from communicating with each other via the telephone line subsequently.

0141Referring now to flowcharts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 and 23</figref>, the following describes an example of a process between the PDA <b>101</b> and the digital camera <b>181</b> when they are placed or closely positioned on the connection board <b>171</b>.

0142At step S<b>201</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the CPU <b>111</b> of the PDA <b>101</b> determines whether or not a user specifies information reception. When not specified, the CPU <b>111</b> proceeds to step S<b>202</b> to determines whether or not information transfer is specified. When information transfer is not specified either, the CPU <b>111</b> returns to step S<b>201</b> and repeatedly performs the subsequent process.

0143When it is determined at step S<b>202</b> that the user specifies information transfer, the process proceeds to step S<b>206</b>. The CPU <b>111</b> reads data stored in the memory stick <b>119</b> and transfers the data to the digital camera <b>181</b> from the communication section <b>120</b> via the telephone line.

0144For example, the user may perform an input operation in the direction as indicated by an arrow C in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. In this case, the CPU <b>111</b> assumes the operation to be an instruction for transferring data from the PDA <b>101</b> to the digital camera <b>181</b> and performs the aforementioned process.

0145When it is determined at step S<b>201</b> that the information reception is specified, the CPU <b>111</b> proceeds to step S<b>203</b> and requests the digital camera <b>181</b> to transfer information. As will be described later, the digital camera <b>181</b> transfers the information upon reception of this request. At step S<b>204</b>, the CPU <b>111</b> waits until the information is transferred. When the information is transferred, the CPU <b>111</b>, at step S<b>205</b>, uses the communication section <b>120</b> to receive the transferred information via the telephone line and supplies this information to the memory stick <b>119</b> for storage.

0146This process is performed when the user operates the pen on the tablet <b>117</b> in the direction indicated by an arrow D in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, i.e., from the digital camera <b>181</b> to the PDA <b>101</b>.

0147Referring now to a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the following describes a process for the digital camera <b>181</b>.

0148At step S<b>221</b>, the CPU <b>231</b> of the digital camera <b>181</b> determines whether or not a request for information transfer is received from the PDA <b>101</b>. When no information transfer is requested, the CPU <b>231</b> proceeds to step S<b>222</b> to determine whether or not information is transferred from the PDA <b>101</b>. When no information is transferred, the CPU <b>231</b> returns to step S<b>221</b> and repeatedly performs the subsequent process.

0149When it is determined at step S<b>221</b> that a request for information transfer is received from the PDA, the process proceeds to step S<b>223</b>. The CPU <b>231</b> then reads image data stored in the memory stick <b>238</b> and transfers the data to the PDA <b>101</b> from the communication section <b>240</b> via the telephone line.

0150When it is determined at step S<b>222</b> that information is transferred from the PDA <b>101</b>, the process proceeds to step S<b>224</b>. The CPU <b>231</b> then supplies the information received at the communication section <b>240</b> via the telephone line to the memory stick <b>238</b> for storage.

0151In this example, as mentioned above, two electronic devices can interchange information when they are placed or closely positioned on the connection board <b>171</b>. A user can intuitively and safely manage information by controlling the security which permits information transfer only between two electronic devices placed on the same plane.

0152<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> shows yet another embodiment. This embodiment interchanges an identification number via a user's human body. In this example, the user wears a headphone <b>261</b> on his or her head and holds the portable telephone <b>11</b> in his or her hand. The identification number is interchanged between the headphone <b>261</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b> via the user's human body <b>260</b>.

0153The headphone <b>261</b> is configured as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, for example. A CPU <b>271</b> through an input/output interface <b>275</b> are basically the same as the CPU <b>21</b> through the input/output interface <b>25</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0154An input section <b>276</b> is operated by the user to start or stop using the headphone <b>261</b>. A speaker <b>277</b> generates a voice signal received via a communication section <b>279</b>. A communication section <b>278</b> communicates with the portable telephone <b>11</b> via the human body <b>260</b>. The communication section <b>279</b> performs wireless communication via the telephone line.

0155The portable telephone <b>11</b> is configured basically the same as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. In this example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, the RF tag <b>72</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is replaced by a communication section <b>291</b>. The communication section <b>291</b> communicates with the communication section <b>278</b> of the headphone <b>261</b> via the human body <b>260</b>.

0156Otherwise, the portable telephone <b>11</b> is configured the same as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0157Referring now to a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, the following describes a process for the portable telephone <b>11</b> in the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>.

0158At step S<b>241</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> determines whether or not the headphone <b>261</b> is detected by using the communication section <b>291</b> to communicate with the communication section <b>278</b> of the headphone <b>261</b> via the human body <b>260</b>. When the headphone <b>261</b> is not detected, the CPU <b>61</b> waits until it is detected. This detection process is performed in such a manner that the communication section <b>291</b> periodically outputs a signal requesting a response and the CPU <b>61</b> checks for a response to the request.

0159When it is determined at step S<b>241</b> that the headphone <b>261</b> is detected (response returned), the process proceeds to step S<b>242</b>. The CPU <b>61</b> requests the headphone <b>261</b> to send its network address. As will be described later with reference to a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>, the headphone <b>261</b> responds to this request and sends its network address at step S<b>266</b>.

0160At step S<b>243</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> waits until it receives the network address from the headphone <b>261</b> via the communication section <b>291</b>. When receiving that address, the CPU <b>61</b> proceeds to step S<b>244</b> to supply the received network address of the headphone <b>261</b> to the storage section <b>68</b> for storage. Then proceeding to step S<b>245</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> waits until it is requested to send the network address from the headphone <b>261</b>. When requested, the CPU <b>61</b> proceeds to step S<b>246</b> to send the network address of the portable telephone <b>11</b> from the communication section <b>291</b> to the headphone <b>261</b> via the human body <b>260</b>. That network address is previously stored in the storage section <b>68</b>.

0161At step S<b>247</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> determines whether or not a network connection is made to the headphone <b>261</b>. When a connection is not established yet, the process proceeds to step S<b>248</b>. The CPU <b>61</b> accesses the network address of the headphone <b>261</b> stored at step S<b>244</b> to establish a network connection. Specifically, the CPU <b>61</b> controls the communication section <b>69</b> to generate a call to the telephone number stored at step S<b>244</b> as a network address of the headphone <b>261</b>, connecting the telephone line.

0162When it is determined at step S<b>247</b> that a connection is already established, the process at step S<b>248</b> is skipped.

0163At step S<b>249</b>, the CPU <b>61</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> performs a specified process for the headphone <b>261</b> via the telephone line connected by the communication section <b>69</b>.

0164Corresponding to this operation for the portable telephone <b>11</b>, the headphone <b>261</b> performs a process as shown by a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>. The process at steps S<b>261</b> through S<b>269</b> is basically the same as that at steps S<b>241</b> through S<b>249</b> for the portable telephone <b>11</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> except that the target differs.

0165At step S<b>267</b>, the headphone <b>261</b> also determines whether or not a network connection is made to the portable telephone <b>11</b>. For example, the process at step S<b>268</b> is skipped when the telephone line is already connected to the portable telephone <b>11</b> due to the aforementioned process at step S<b>248</b> for the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0166In other words, the process at step S<b>248</b> for the portable telephone <b>11</b> is skipped when the telephone line is already connected due to the process on the headphone <b>261</b>.

0167In this example, the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the headphone <b>261</b> each acquire the identification number of the other as mentioned above. Based on the identification number, one makes a connection to the other via the telephone line.

0168For example, a user, wearing the headphone <b>261</b>, may use the portable telephone <b>11</b> to access a given music distribution server and receive music data. In this case, the distributed music data can be transmitted from the portable telephone <b>11</b> to the headphone <b>261</b> via the telephone line connected between the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the headphone <b>261</b>. The user can listen to the music using the headphone <b>261</b> even if he or she does not hold the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0169Wearing the headphone <b>261</b> equipped with a microphone, the user may use the portable telephone <b>11</b> to call the other party. When the other party responds, the user can thereafter speak to the other party just by using the headphone <b>261</b> without holding the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0170Further, for example, the aforementioned body of the personal computer <b>1</b> and a mouse used for it each can be provided with communication sections enabling communication via the user's human body <b>260</b>. The user interchanges identification numbers between them by touching the mouse and the personal computer body. Based thereon, the telephone line is connected therebetween. Thereafter, the user can send a signal corresponding to a mouse operation to the personal computer by operating the mouse without touching the personal computer body.

0171<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> shows transfer characteristics of a human body. In characteristic charts of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 29A and 29B</figref>, a spectrum analyzer is used to measure transfer characteristics of a human body (between both hands) within the range from 1 to 20 MHz in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29A</figref> and within the range from 1 to 30 MHz in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29B</figref>. In either case, a coaxial cable is connected to a tracking generator and an input terminal. During the experiment, coaxial cable grounds (GND) are connected to each other in order to prevent an antenna effect. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 29A and 29B</figref> show approximately flat transfer characteristics within the range around from 1 to 20 MHz, resulting in the attenuation of 30 through 40 dB.

0172For the measurement in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 29A and 29B</figref>, the tracking generator's output impedance and the spectrum analyzer's input impedance are both 75Ω. Accordingly, if the impedance between both hands is one megohm from the viewpoint of an alternating current, the attenuation should be at least −80 dB. Actually, however, the attenuation is very small. It can be understood that this proves a possibility of signal transmission via the human body.

0173The data transmission side can be considered to be a micro-dipole antenna. There is fully analyzed the state of an electromagnetic field generated by this antenna. According to such analysis result, an electromagnetic field generated by the human body is equivalent to that generated by the micro-dipole antenna. The electromagnetic field strength is represented by a vector sum of components which are in inverse proportion to distance R from the antenna, the second power of distance R, and the third power of distance R. These components are respectively referred to as the radiant field, the induction field, and the electrostatic field. Relational expressions for these are described in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 7-170215.

0174<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 30A and 30B</figref> depict electric field strengths. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30A</figref> is a characteristic chart showing the relationship between an electric field strength for each of the aforementioned and a distance from antennas. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> B shows electric field strengths and distances for a λ/2.2 dipole antenna and a 3.4 cmφ loop antenna, and 8 cmφ and 3.4 cmφ loop antennas under the conditions of frequency f=200 MHz and a transmission terminal voltage=100 dBμV (75Ω). As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 30A and 30B</figref>, strengths of the aforementioned radiant field (1/R component), induction field (1/(the second power of R) component), and electrostatic field (1/(the third power of R) component) are equaled for the length of λ/2π. When the distance is smaller than this value, the strengths increase drastically. When f=11 MHz, this distance becomes 4.3 m. Accordingly, it is desirable to adopt a transmission system which mainly uses the electrostatic field.

0175It is preferable to select a range of electric field strength available under no legal restrictions on the electromagnetic interference (EMI). For example, the frequency should be 332 MHz or less, and the electric field strength should be 500 μV/M or less.

0176As mentioned above, the electrostatic field attenuates on the basis of the third power of distance R. When the distance changes from 1 m to 3 m, for example, the electric field strength attenuates 1/27 (=1/(3×3×3)). Accordingly, the signal strength extremely attenuates as the distance from a data transmission means increases. Even if a plurality of users uses similar apparatuses, it is hardly possible to detect the other users' signals as noises. Under a working condition where there are many users carrying similar apparatuses adjacent to each other, for example, mainly using the electrostatic field enables excellent communication.

0177The human body <b>260</b> touches part of the communication sections <b>291</b> and <b>278</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> and the headphone <b>261</b>. It is desirable to provide a wide area to this contact point. Examples of the contact point include a wrist watch, necklace, ring, bracelet, belt, shoe etc. which can be wound curvedly around a human body's finger, arm, neck, etc. Namely, it is preferable to configure the contact point so that it can touch the human body's skin as widely as possible.

0178In the aforementioned example, the RF tag and the reader/writer interchange identification numbers. It is also possible to interchange identification numbers by printing a bar code on each electronic device and reading the bar code.

0179Further, it is possible to use not only the input display section and the notebook computer's palm rest, but also a mouse pad or a white board as information processing apparatuses on which an electronic device should be placed.

0180The identification number has been explained by using the telephone number as an example but is not limited thereto if it is needed to access the electronic device on the network.

0181It may be preferable to authenticate the other party by interchanging the identification number.

0182In the aforementioned description, the telephone line is used as an example of the network. It is also possible to use a LAN, wireless LAN, WAN, Internet, or Bluetooth applicable to various portable devices, etc.

0183The following describes a communication system which allows the RF tag and the reader/writer to interchange various information and establishes Bluetooth communication based on the obtained information.

0184This communication system is configured the same as the information processing system in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The personal computer <b>1</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> respectively use the reader/writer <b>33</b> and the RF tag <b>72</b> to send and receive various information and perform Bluetooth communication based on the interchanged information. Namely, a Bluetooth module is built in each of the personal computer <b>1</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0185<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the personal computer <b>1</b> containing a Bluetooth module.

0186The personal computer <b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is configured basically the same as the personal computer <b>1</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and differs from the latter as follows. First, a Bluetooth module <b>301</b> is provided. Second, as will be described later, the reader/writer <b>33</b> notifies its identification information to the portable telephone <b>11</b> by means of an electromagnetic wave.

0187The Bluetooth module <b>301</b> communicates with a Bluetooth module <b>311</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>) provided in the portable telephone <b>11</b> according to Bluetooth.

0188Bluetooth is a wireless communication specification standardized by the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group). Bluetooth provides communication with another device provided with a Bluetooth module (appropriately referred to as a Bluetooth device) by using a 2.4 GHz band, i.e., an IMS (Industrial Science Medical) band.

0189A Bluetooth-based network is called a piconet or a scatternet comprising a plurality of piconets connected with each other according to its form. The network contains Bluetooth devices working as a master and a slave. Hereinafter, a master Bluetooth device is just referred to as a master, and a slave Bluetooth device is just referred to as a slave appropriately.

0190When the master starts communicating with a slave, the master generates a radio wave at a specified cycle for detecting the slave. When the slave responds accordingly, the master specifies a slave Bluetooth device based on various information sent from the slave and starts communication. Information notified to the master from the slave contains Bluetooth addresses specific to respective Bluetooth devices (modules). Based on a Bluetooth address, the master specifies the slave to communicate with.

0191Namely, the Bluetooth module <b>301</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is also assigned with a specific Bluetooth address which is assumed to be the same as identification information (ID) of the reader/writer <b>33</b> in this communication system example. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, the identification information of the reader/writer <b>33</b> is defined as identification information A. The address of the Bluetooth module <b>301</b> is defined as Bluetooth address A.

0192The portable telephone <b>11</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is configured basically the same as the portable telephone <b>11</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and differs from the latter as follows. First, a Bluetooth device <b>311</b> is provided. Second, the RF tag <b>72</b> notifies its identification information, not the telephone number, to the reader/writer <b>33</b>.

0193In this portable telephone <b>11</b>, the identification information of the RF tag <b>72</b> is defined as identification information B. The address of the Bluetooth module <b>311</b> is defined as Bluetooth address B. The identification information of the RF tag <b>72</b> need not always be the same as the address of the Bluetooth module <b>311</b>. The identification information just needs to include the address.

0194When receiving an electromagnetic wave generated from the reader/writer <b>33</b>, the RF tag <b>72</b> notifies identification information B accordingly. Based on identification information B obtained by the reader/writer <b>33</b>, the Bluetooth module <b>301</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> searches for a Bluetooth device having the same Bluetooth address (Bluetooth address B) for establishing communication with the Bluetooth module <b>311</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b>.

0195With reference to a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>, the following describes a process for making communication between the Bluetooth module <b>301</b> of the personal computer <b>1</b> and the Bluetooth module <b>311</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b>. In the process of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>, the personal computer <b>1</b> works as a master and the portable telephone <b>11</b> as slave. At step S<b>311</b>, the reader/writer <b>33</b> generates an electromagnetic wave for detecting terminals provided with RF tags including the portable telephone <b>11</b>. As described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> etc. this electromagnetic wave is periodically generated at a sufficiently short cycle.

0196When receiving the electromagnetic wave at step S<b>321</b>, the RF tag <b>72</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> proceeds to step S<b>322</b> to notify the reader/writer <b>33</b> of the predetermined identification information B. This identification information (identification information B) of the RF tag <b>72</b> is defined to be the same as the address of the Bluetooth module <b>311</b> (Bluetooth address B).

0197At step S<b>312</b>, the reader/writer <b>33</b> receives the identification information (Bluetooth address) notified from the RF tag <b>72</b>. At step S <b>313</b>, the reader/writer <b>33</b> notifies the received identification information to the Bluetooth module <b>301</b> via the input/output interface <b>25</b>.

0198At step S<b>301</b>, the Bluetooth module <b>301</b> receives the notification from the reader/writer <b>33</b>. Based on the obtained Bluetooth address, the Bluetooth module <b>301</b> proceeds to step S<b>302</b> to search for a Bluetooth device having the address and request the device for connection (i.e., request to start communication).

0199At step S<b>331</b>, the Bluetooth module <b>311</b> of the portable telephone <b>11</b> receives the request from the Bluetooth module <b>301</b>. The Bluetooth module <b>311</b> then proceeds to step S<b>332</b> to start communication with the personal computer <b>1</b> (Bluetooth module <b>301</b>) as a Bluetooth device.

0200Specifically, there are performed various processes such as synchronization, authentication, etc. for communication. Then, the communication is made between the personal computer <b>1</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b>. At steps S<b>303</b> and S<b>332</b> and thereafter, various information is sent and received under the Bluetooth environment. In the aforementioned example, the personal computer <b>1</b> works as master and the portable telephone <b>11</b> as slave. Obviously, both may interchange this master/slave arrangement. When a reader/writer is also provided for the portable telephone <b>11</b>, the latter detects presence of the personal computer <b>1</b>. It may be preferable to establish the Bluetooth communication based on the identification information notified from the RF tag of the personal computer <b>1</b>.

0201The aforementioned communication system obtains a Bluetooth address by means of communication between the RF tag and the reader/writer and establishes Bluetooth communication based thereon. Such communication system is applicable not only between the personal computer <b>1</b> and the portable telephone <b>11</b>, but also between various devices.

0202For example, the aforementioned Bluetooth communication is available between a hand-held device such as a portable telephone or a PDA and an apparatus such as a TV set, a vehicle navigation system, an automatic vending machine, or an ATM (automatic teller machine). In this case, the portable telephone and the PDA just need at least a Bluetooth module and an RF tag. The TV set, the vehicle navigation system, the automatic vending machine, and the ATM each just need at least a Bluetooth module and an RF tag's reader/writer.

0203The present invention is also applicable to communication between portable telephones, between PDAs, between a PDA and a digital camera, between a PDA and a digital video camera, etc. if either of communicating parties has the reader/writer.

0204In the aforementioned example, the personal computer <b>1</b> specifies a device for communication based on the identification information notified from the RF tag <b>72</b>. Any information may be available as long as if it is identification information unique to the device.

0205For example, when each device is assigned with 128-bit IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) code, the master personal computer <b>1</b> can specify a device for communication based on the identification information notified from the RF tag <b>72</b>.

0206Software can be used to implement a sequence of the aforementioned processes. In this case, a computer contains special hardware in which programs constituting the software are installed. Alternatively, the software is installed from a network or a recording medium, e.g., in a general-purpose personal computer which can perform diverse functions by installing various programs.

0207As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 19</figref>, the recording medium may be configured independently of the apparatus body in the form of a package medium distributed to users for providing programs. Such recording media include the magnetic discs <b>41</b> and <b>211</b> (including a floppy disc), the optical discs <b>42</b> and <b>212</b> (including CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), the magnet-optical discs <b>43</b> and <b>213</b>, the semiconductor memory <b>44</b> and <b>214</b>, etc. which record programs. In addition, the recording medium may be pre-installed in the apparatus body to be provided to users in the form of the ROM <b>22</b> and <b>192</b>, a hard disc included in the storage section <b>26</b>, etc. which record programs.

0208In the present invention, steps describing a program stored in a recording medium include not only a process which is performed chronologically according to the specified sequence, but also a process which is performed concurrently or individually, not always chronologically.

0209In the description of the present invention, the system signifies an overall apparatus comprising a plurality of apparatuses.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

0210The present invention obtains identification information about a closely positioned electronic device and communicates with the electronic device via the network based on the identification information. It is possible to easily and reliably interchange data with the electronic device.

0211Further, the present invention communicates with an information processing apparatus via the network. It is possible to easily and reliably interchange information with the information processing apparatus.

0212Moreover, the present invention allows the information processing apparatus to obtain identification information of the electronic device when the electronic device is closely positioned over the information processing apparatus. Based on the identification information, communication is made between the electronic device and the information processing apparatus via the network. It is possible to easily and reliably interchange information between the information processing apparatus and the electronic device.

0213Furthermore, the present invention obtains each identification information of the first and second electronic devices when both are closely positioned. Based on the identification information, communication is made between the first and second electronic devices via the network. It is possible to easily and reliably interchange information between the first and second electronic devices.